What is the first step during an onsite inspection for asbestos?

The first step during an onsite inspection for asbestos is to review building drawings. This step is crucial because the drawings provide detailed information about the layout, materials used in construction, and areas where asbestos may be present. Understanding the building's architecture, such as the type of materials used and the location of potential asbestos-containing materials, significantly informs the inspectors about where to focus their efforts during the walk-through inspection.

By reviewing these documents first, inspectors can identify functional spaces that might be more susceptible to asbestos presence and can plan their walk-through inspection accordingly. Knowledge of the building's design helps in developing a targeted and efficient sampling scheme later in the process, ensuring that all relevant areas are adequately assessed for asbestos exposure risks.